Senior Design Manager – Workplace (Preconstruction & Client-Facing)

London

The Role

We are working with a leading workplace design & build specialist to appoint a Senior Design Manager to play a key role in winning and delivering high-profile commercial office projects across London.

This is a client-facing, preconstruction-led role combining design, space planning and stakeholder management, with oversight through to project delivery.

You will be instrumental in shaping workplace environments from initial concept and test-fit stages through to completion, working closely with clients, consultants and delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead early-stage design input, including test fits, space planning and workplace strategies
• Support bid and pitch activity, working alongside preconstruction and commercial teams
• Engage directly with clients to understand requirements and translate into design solutions
• Coordinate external architects, consultants and internal teams through RIBA Stages 0–5
• Oversee the development of design information and drawing packages (not hands-on production)
• Ensure alignment between design intent, cost and programme
• Attend and lead client presentations and workshops
• Work closely with delivery teams to ensure smooth transition from precon to site

About You

• Background in commercial office / workplace design & build projects
• Experience within a design-led D&B contractor or workplace design studio (e.g. Oktra, AIS, Thirdway, Modus, etc.)
• Strong experience in client-facing roles, including presentations and stakeholder engagement
• Comfortable with test fits, space planning and early-stage design input
• Good understanding of technical delivery and coordination
• Proficient in AutoCAD and/or Revit (working knowledge, not production-focused)
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and build relationships

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-quality London workplace projects
• Strong exposure to clients, preconstruction and project lifecycle
• Collaborative, design-focused environment
• Salary: £75,000 – £90,000 + package (depending on experience)

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to step into a role that sits at the intersection of design, client engagement and delivery, with genuine influence over how projects are shaped from the outset.